Surveillance of salivary properties of pre-orthodontic patients in relation to age and sex

Abstract

Saliva plays an important role in masticatory function and protection from dental caries. Although studies have been conducted on saliva properties, their results vary widely depending on population settings. Hence, this study was performed to evaluate the results of saliva properties in individuals who attended their first visit for orthodontic treatment. A total of 619 participants were included (387 females and 232 males; mean age: 14.6 years). We conducted oral examinations and saliva (stimulated) tests and evaluated the saliva flow rate, pH, and buffering capacity, along with bacterial culture. Saliva flow rate, pH, and buffering capacity were significantly higher in males than in females. However, the Streptococcus mutans score was significantly higher in females than in males even though oral hygiene was better in females. Significant positive correlations were found between age and saliva flow rate and S. mutans score. On the contrary, significant negative correlations were found between age and pH and buffering capacity. These results were similar to other studies where the target population was children or teenagers. Saliva properties of patients starting orthodontic treatment were almost the same as in populations of similar ages.

Changes in the pH and the Flow Rate of Saliva During Orthodontic Treatment with Fixed Orthodontic Appliances: A Systematic Review

“…Additionally, 1373 full-text reports were not accessible among the 25 full-text articles we assessed for eligibility, 18 studies were subsequently excluded. 3 , 6 , 8 , 10 , 12 , 21 , 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 , 39 , 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 Finally, 7 studies were included in a systematic review. 2 , 11 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 An overview of the search results and the screening process is summarized in the study flow chart ( Figure 1 ).…”

“…Lara-Carillo et al 12 also compared results between genders and found increased stimulated saliva flow in both gender groups, but with a higher initial flow rate in the male group. On the other hand, Kado et al 40 evaluated stimulated salivary flow between genders of pre-orthodontic patients and found a significantly higher flow rate in males than in females. These results were explained by the smaller size of salivary glands in females compared to males the influence of hormonal patterns.…”

Maxillofacial Morphology as a Predictive Factor for Caries Risk in Orthodontic Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…However, the amount of saliva secreted decreases with age [8]. Moreover, the amount and properties of salivary secretions differ according to sex [9][10][11].…”

“…A study comparing oral hygiene in men and women reported that although men could have poorer oral hygiene compared to women, they showed better saliva test results and lower streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) counts [11].…”

Antigingivitis, Desensitizing, and Antiplaque Effects of Alkaline Toothpastes: A Randomized Clinical Trial

“…The mean pH of saliva is 6.7, within the normal range of 6.2–7.6 [ 8 ]. The resting oral pH may vary between 5.0 and 9.0 depending on different factors, including age [ 9 ], gender [ 9 , 10 ], season, and even time of day [ 10 ]. Salivary pH alterations have been found in patients with various diseases, such as anorexia nervosa [ 11 ], gastroesophageal reflux disease [ 12 , 13 , 14 ], and diabetes mellitus [ 15 , 16 ].…”